Super Mario
Super Mario is a series of video games created by Nintendo, featuring the adventures of Mario, a character who has become an iconic figure in video game history. Here's a detailed look into this beloved franchise:
History
- Origin: Mario first appeared in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong, where he was known as "Jumpman." His character was inspired by Popeye due to the inability to license the character for a game.
- First Game: The first game explicitly named after Mario was Mario Bros., released in 1983 for arcades. It introduced Luigi, Mario's brother, and the concept of the Mario universe.
- Super Mario Bros.: The franchise took off with Super Mario Bros. in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). This game established many of the series' hallmarks, including side-scrolling gameplay, power-ups, and the quest to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser.
Gameplay and Features
- Gameplay Mechanics: The series is known for its platforming gameplay, where players control Mario to jump over obstacles, defeat enemies, and navigate through levels. Common mechanics include collecting coins, power-ups like the Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, and Starman, and secret areas.
- Innovations: Over time, the series has introduced various gameplay elements:
- Super Mario 64 (1996) introduced 3D gameplay to the franchise, revolutionizing video games with its open-world environment.
- New Super Mario Bros. (2006) brought back 2D side-scrolling with modern graphics and new mechanics.
- Super Mario Odyssey (2017) featured a new capture mechanic allowing Mario to control various creatures and objects.
Characters and World
- Main Characters: Besides Mario, key characters include:
- Setting: The games take place in various worlds, from the Mushroom Kingdom to other planets and galaxies in later games like Super Mario Galaxy.
Impact and Legacy
- Cultural Impact: Mario has become a pop culture icon, with numerous adaptations into television shows, movies, and merchandise.
- Video Game Influence: The series has influenced game design, particularly in platformers, with its level design, character mechanics, and the concept of collectibles.
- Sales: The Super Mario series has sold over 300 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time.
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